LANSING, MI (AP)-- Michigan officials are urging boaters to pledge to never operate or ride in a boat while under the influence of alcohol.
The state Department of Natural Resources is backing Operation Dry Water, which is part of a national awareness and enforcement campaign. There will be heightened enforcement efforts across Michigan the weekend of June 24-26.
Lt. Tom Wanless with the DNR says the goal is saving lives. He says the upcoming July 4th holiday weekend is known for drinking and boating, leading to deadly accidents.
Operation Dry Water's mission is to warn about the dangers of boating and drinking and to change the cultural acceptance of it.
In Michigan, it is illegal to operate a boat if the driver has a blood-alcohol content of 0.08 percent or more.
